Just a few months ago, most Washington establishment types would have sneered at the notion of a political naif running for president on little more than box-office juice, huge pecs, and a dazzling smile.

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sneer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sneer

probably akin to Middle High German snerren to chatter, gossip — more at snore

Synonym Discussion of sneer

scoff, jeer, gibe, fleer, sneer, flout mean to show one's contempt in derision or mockery. scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision. scoffed at their concernsjeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision. the crowd jeered at the prisonersgibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision. hooted and gibed at the umpirefleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively. the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulitysneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice. sneered at anything romanticflout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed. flouted the conventions of polite society

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sneer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of sneer

SNEER Defined for English Language Learners

sneer

Definition of sneer for English Language Learners

: to smile or laugh at someone or something with an expression on your face that shows dislike and a lack of respect

: to express dislike and a lack of respect for someone or something in a very open way

sneer

noun

Definition of sneer for English Language Learners

: an expression on a person's face that is like a smile but that shows dislike and a lack of respect for someone or something; also: a statement, criticism, etc., that shows dislike and a lack of respect